Obesity Prevention And Public Health

by Crawford, David; Jeffery, Robert W.

• ISBN13: 9780198566007
• ISBN10: 019856600X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-12-15
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

More than 22 million children under five are now obese or overweight. Globally, an estimated 10% of school-aged children, between five and 17 years old, are overweight or obese, and the situation is getting worse. Although recognised clinically for some time as an important condition that increases risk of ill-health in affected individuals, it is only recently, that obesity has been recognised as a population-wide problem that requires preventive action. Obesity is a major contributor to diseases and disability, the associated health costs are enormous, obesity has already reached epidemic proportions in many countries, and incidence is continuing to increase in children and adults. Disturbingly the epidemic is not confined to developed countries, with many developing countries and those in transition affected. While recognised as a major population health problem, our understanding of the causes of the epidemic is poor, there has been relatively little population-based research that has focused on the prevention of unhealthy weight gain, and as a consequence knowledge regarding how and where best to intervene is limited. This book draws together the existing literature and expertise and with a view to helping set the agenda for public health action. The book is divided into three sections. Part 1 provides an overview of the context of the problem. It examines the epidemiology of obesity, the role of behavioural factors, socio-cultural factors and environmental factors in the obesity epidemic. Part 2 reviews interventions across a range of key settings and in different population groups - drawing on existing research that has aimed to increase physical activity, promote healthy eating and prevent obesity at a population level. Given how little research there is that has specifically examined the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing obesity per se, Part 3 explores potential opportunities to prevent obesity

Table of Contents

Contributors	ix
Introduction	xi
Part 1
The epidemiology of obesity: a global perspective	3	(18)
Jacob C. Seidell
The role of nutrition and physical activity in the obesity epidemic	21	(16)
Lisa J. Harnack
Kathryn H. Schmitz
The role of socio-cultural factors in the obesity epidemic	37	(18)
Kylie Ball
David Crawford
Evolving environmental factors in the obesity epidemic	55	(20)
Robert W. Jeffery
Jennifer A. Linde
The implications of the nutrition transition for obesity in the developing world	75	(26)
Barry M. Popkin
Part 2
Population approaches to promote healthful eating behaviors	101	(28)
Simone A. French
Population approaches to increasing physical activity among children and adults	129	(24)
Jo Salmon
Abby C. King
Population approaches to obesity prevention	153	(12)
Robert W. Jeffery
Jennifer A. Linde
The cost-effectiveness of obesity prevention	165	(42)
Rob Carter
Marj Moodie
Part 3
Opportunities to prevent obesity in children within families: an ecological approach	207	(24)
Kirsten Krahnstoever Davison
Karen Campbell
Drawing possible lessons for obesity prevention and control from the tobacco control experience	231	(34)
Shawna L. Mercer
Laura Kettel Khan
Lawrence W. Green
Abby C. Rosenthal
Rose Nathan
Corinne G. Husten
William H. Dietz
The potential for policy initiatives to address the obesity epidemic: a legal perspective from the United States	265	(20)
Ellen J. Fried
The potential of food regulation as a policy instrument for obesity prevention in developing countries	285	(22)
Mark Lawrence
The need for courageous action to prevent obesity	307	(24)
Marlene B. Schwarz
Kelly D. Brownell
Index	331